More and more New York colleges are jumping on the green building bandwagon. Last week, Fordham University obtained LEED Gold certification for its recently built Rose Hill Dormitories, supported by $555,000 in NYSERDA incentives. The funding will also allow the University to reduce energy costs by $174,000 annually through new high performance lighting and occupancy controls, high efficiency chillers and boilers, a new heat recovery system, and numerous other energy efficiency measures.

The recently constructed Rose Hill Dormitories, designed by Sasaki Architects, (each at 83,500 square-feet with multiple stories) are just some of the many sustainable projects the University is tackling. The dormitories were designed to “optimize energy usage and performance and constructed according to environmentally sustainable building practices.” What’s even cooler is that the new buildings are rated to perform nearly 29 percent above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code.

Inhabitat has covered NYSERDA’s environmental incentive and loan program extensively, along with a variety of other local measures instituted by NYC as part of local government initiatives for a greener New York. Both programs have thus far been fairly successful, and for good reason. The savings are extraordinary.

According to Real Estate Rama, “Since 2009, NYSERDA has provided more than $21 million to help reduce electricity consumption by more than 94 million kilowatt hours in nearly 200 new construction projects throughout New York City. The energy savings is equivalent to the annual amount of electricity consumed by 13,665 single-family homes.” NYSERDA also offers incentives for buildings pursuing LEED certification, and provides extensive assistance in helping to incorporate energy efficiency measures and sustainable building design practices.

Fordham University is just one of many college campuses that are also taking part in sustainable projects in line with NYC’s recent environmental initiatives. St. John’s University in Queens, also announced its support for mayor Michael Bloomberg’s various green initiatives throughout the city. NYU has also taken various green steps forward with its new power plant, which is 90 percent more efficient and cuts CO2 output by 23 percent. Westchester Community College has also followed the same route as Fordham, constructing new academic facilities more in line with sustainable principles. Pratt Institutes Myrtle Hall, recently received LEED Gold certification, and recently won a Brooklyn Building Award.

It’s refreshing to see that various educational institutes are also moving forward in regards to sustainable practices. By promoting green initiatives both in class, and on the actual campus, we are no doubt one step closer towards a greener society.